Gocta waterfall
In February 2006, the third highest waterfall in the world was discovered close to Chacha. It has never appeared on any map nor was the outside world aware of it before then. We decided to grab the opportunity to be some of the first visitors to this 771m high waterfall in a remote and pristine valley. We are sure that it would be an entirely different experience in 5 years' time.
We (4 of us) set off with a small travel company from Chacha and drove to the village closest to the falls. It was wonderful to arrive in a village where there were no tourist facilities! Everything was so authentic. The guide, Pedro, was brilliant. He is one of the locals of the village and walked with us the 3 hours to the falls through pristine forests. Walking sticks were hacked out of the jungle (a practice that will have to stop before mass tourism arrives!). The walk was up and down and beautiful!
The waterfall (in two main steps) could be seen right from the start of our walk and was visible from time to time through the forest. We arrived to share the moment with students from a nearby town. Johan went for a swim under the falls and nearly froze to death! The guides were as excited as we were to be part of something so beautiful and unspoilt...
During our walk back we saw (and heard!) another flock of about 50 green parrots flying by. Overall it was a fantastic experience, one of the highlights of our trip. We count ourselves very privileged and blessed to be able to share such a day.
We (4 of us) set off with a small travel company from Chacha and drove to the village closest to the falls. It was wonderful to arrive in a village where there were no tourist facilities! Everything was so authentic. The guide, Pedro, was brilliant. He is one of the locals of the village and walked with us the 3 hours to the falls through pristine forests. Walking sticks were hacked out of the jungle (a practice that will have to stop before mass tourism arrives!). The walk was up and down and beautiful!
The waterfall (in two main steps) could be seen right from the start of our walk and was visible from time to time through the forest. We arrived to share the moment with students from a nearby town. Johan went for a swim under the falls and nearly froze to death! The guides were as excited as we were to be part of something so beautiful and unspoilt...
During our walk back we saw (and heard!) another flock of about 50 green parrots flying by. Overall it was a fantastic experience, one of the highlights of our trip. We count ourselves very privileged and blessed to be able to share such a day.
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